The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most difficult exams in India and is taken by students who aspire to become a part of the IIMs and other leading B-schools across the country. Each year thousands of management hopefuls studying relentlessly to get through the CAT exam with an aim of getting into the some of the best MBA colleges. But one question often arises:
How easy is the CAT exam?
In order to answer this question, it will be necessary to describe the types of questions on the CAT exam, the CAT exam syllabus, and the requirements for CAT admission. Knowledge of these factors will assist in calculating the level of difficulty of the CAT exam, thus making it easier for future candidates.
An insight into the syllabus of the CAT Exam 2024
One of the best ways to compare the level of difficulty of CAT exam is to consider the syllabus or the areas to be covered. The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three main sections: The syllabus is divided into three main sections:
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Exam (DILE)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)
Every section is unique in the type of questions asked during the examinations, and there is so much material available in each of these sections. Let’s break down each section:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section of the CAT exam syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in written English. This includes reading comprehensions, sentence improvement, paragraph re-arrangement, and critical analysis. The reading comprehension passages may be quite tough, generally calling for analysis and quick evaluation.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section aims at assessing a candidate on his or her analytical and logical thought processing skills. The questions of this section typically contain a number of numbers, diagrams, tables, and other varieties of test questions and puzzles. It becomes very difficult to interpret this data correctly and at the same time answer the questions within the time limit provided.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
The QA section of the CAT exam syllabus comprises of questions that are in the form of problems and solutions which include algebra, geometry, arithmetic, number systems etc. These questions may be simple addition or multiplication questions to complex questions that involve use of formulas.
Due to the fact that the syllabus used in the CAT exam is quite expansive, every part has to be studied adequately, an endeavour that is likely to take a considerable amount of time, practice, as well as commitment. The fact is that the subjects which are covered are numerous and the questions themselves are quite complicated, which makes the exam not all that easy as some might think.
The CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The patterning of CAT test is of immense importance in assessing the difficulty level of the test. The CAT exam pattern typically includes the following elements:
- Total Number of Questions: The CAT exam normally is a multiple choice test for which the number of questions asked ranges between 66 to 100 questions.
- Duration: This exam takes an average period of over 120 minutes and for every part, there is a set time duration (40 minutes for a part).
- Question Types: There are both MCQs and non-MCQs which make the candidates to type in their answers as part of the exam.
- Marking Scheme: The students are penalised for wrong answers in MCQs where one mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
CAT exam syllabus is a bit like the school exams and also measures the candidate’s time management skills, speed and accuracy and working under pressure. The time given for each of these sections also tends to be limited and this is not amicable to any candidate who would want to try and answer all the questions diligently.
Also, this makes the exam even more challenging as the level of difficulty within the sections of the exam may also be different. Due to this complex structure, the examination pattern of CAT does not make the test in any way easier.
Why the CAT Eligibility Criteria is Significant?
The CAT Eligibility Criteria is a fundamental factor that is crucial to be grasped before taking the CAT exam. This criterion determines the minimum standards which one has to meet before he or she can apply for the exam and be part of an MBA program.
The CAT Eligibility Criteria generally include the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: For the positions under the category, the candidates should have passed their bachelor’s degree examination with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Thus, for the SC, ST as well as PWD category candidates, the percentage requirement is of 45 percent.
- Final Year Students: The final year bachelor degree candidates, those who passed the final examination for the Bachelor’s degree or any other equivalent qualification is eligible for the above said examination.
- Age Limit: As for the CAT exam there is no age restriction that has been put in place.
Thus despite the fact that general CAT Eligibility Criteria may be clear competition among the eligible students is high. Due to the increasing number of candidates dreaming of getting into the top B-schools every year, clearing the CAT is no more a big thing, so failing to score high does not make one a failure. This, however, can only be the first step towards spinning round in a tough and lengthy process that leads to admission.
CAT 2024 Syllabus and How It Affects Difficulty
While the CAT exam pattern changes each year it is important for students preparing for CAT 2024 to understand the syllabus of the exam. The curriculum followed in CAT 2024 may remain unchanged from previous years, but the candidates should be aware of the new syllabus if any.
The CAT 2024 syllabus will likely continue to cover the three primary sections: VARC, DILR and QA. However, the level of difficulty of the questions that is posed may differ every year, as well as the emphasis made to certain areas of the curriculum, therefore it is important that the candidates be prepared in all areas.
Since the CAT 2024 syllabus is vast, it is essential for the candidates to strategize, specifically focus on the strong areas and spend more time on the weak areas. Due to unpredictable questions and vast syllabi, the difficulty level of this exam increases.
How tough is the CAT Exam?
After going through the CAT 2024 syllabus and analysing the pattern of the CAT exam as well as the requirements that make one eligible for CAT exam it is clear that CAT exam is not easy. The exam is set in the way that it would question the candidate directly in their knowledge, analytical skills as well as their ability to efficiently manage the time allocated to the examination.
Several factors contribute to the difficulty of the CAT exam:
- Comprehensive Syllabus: This is due to the fact that the CAT exam syllabus is spread across a wide range of areas much preparation is needed to cover all areas of the syllabus. These applicants need excellent verbal skills, good logical and analytical ability, immediate data comprehension, and average arithmetical skills.
- Time Constraints: Another factor that makes the exam hard is the time allocated to complete each section of the exam. It is not enough to know the material, one has to use it fast and correctly if one is a candidate.
- Negative Marking: In the CAT exam pattern, the negative marking deters the candidates from answering wrong questions and thus it becomes important to answer very wisely. This adds more pressure to the learner as any slight error is likely to have serious consequences bearing in mind that marks can easily be knocked off.
- Adaptive Difficulty: It is also important to note that such a test like the CAT is adaptive in nature implying that questions presented to the candidates may become progressively harder as the test continues. This may be a bit mentally draining especially given the fact that the clock is still running.
- High Competition: The pressure, one way, is caused by the high number of candidates seeking a rare opportunity to enrol in few top B-schools. For this reason, even if one performs well, it may not be enough to get admission due to the stiff competition that is expected.
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Tips for CAT Exam pattern
In light of the challenges discussed above, the preparation to CAT exam should therefore be informed by a strategic perspective on candidate’s part. Here are some tips to help make the preparation process more effective:
1. Understand the CAT exam Syllabus
The first step in preparing for the CAT exam is that one has great knowledge of the exam syllabus. As for the candidates that write a GRE Analytical Writing review, they should get to know each section and the capacities and deficits of yours.
2. Practice Regularly
The CAT exam syllabus requires regular practice so that its students can perfect what has been taught in the class. I also encourage candidates to solve mock tests, previous years’ papers, and sample questions in order to enhance their way of working and beat the time factor.
3. Focus on Time Management
As the CAT exam pattern is set within tightly defined time-sheets, nurturing good time management traits also turn out to be very crucial. The candidates should also try to answer the questions within the amount of time that is provided for the particular section in order to be sure the part is done well.
4. Analyse and Improve
After each practice test, candidates are supposed to review the test for the questions he or she got wrong, or the questions that took him or her long to answer. Repetition is a key to mastering the CAT and this means that it has to be done on a constant basis.
5. Stay Updated
Since the CAT exam pattern which is still a few years away is likely to change, then candidates are advised to check for any updates from the examination conducting body. That will be to ensure that they are well prepared for the exam before they sit for it.
6. Maintain a Positive Mind-set
At last, it is necessary to set a positive and persistent attitude to achieve the goal. The Professional level of the CAT examination is difficult but is not impossible to overcome if only the candidate would apply the best of effort and mind set.
Conclusion: Is the CAT Exam Very Easy?
In conclusion, the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is not a matter of piece of cake as it requires so much of hard work to prepare for it. The CAT exam Syllabus, the pattern of the CAT exam and the cut throat competition of the exam make it one of the toughest entrance exam in India. Some of the candidates might attempt to solve certain problems within the examination comfortably, though the level of difficulty is still high.
But then, CAT examination proves to be a tough nut to crack for the aspirants who, otherwise, can crack it with a good preparation, an action plan, and the right frame of mind. CAT Exam, to sum up, meeting and checking the CAT eligibility and knowing the CAT 2024 Syllabus along with solving papers following the CAT exam pattern shall always prove beneficial in CAT. Therefore, as much as the CAT exam may be challenging, it is possible to get through it if one is willing to work hard.